non-safari south africa
 

Hi,

My daughter and friend who have recently done a number of game drives in southern africa are looking for a short 8-9 days on the ground trip to south africa.

Their idea is the spend 3 days in cape town, 2 in winelands (overnight) and then have 3 or 4 days left. I was thinking: garden route, lesotho, other durban area activity. they are not really beach folks, but they are serious hikers.

Any thoughts would be most welcome,

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie,

If they're going to be in Durban, they'll find plenty to do! Here is a guide to activities in Durban written by a local travel writer for them to choose from:

http://www.ruba.com/guide/simonB/Things_to_do_in_Durban

If they're serious hikers, will they be be hiking table mountain? The local travel writer who wrote the guide above also has a guide to Cape Town adventures, and Table Mountain is included:

http://www.ruba.com/guide/simonB/Cap...dventure_Guide

I hope these ideas are helpful - if you have any other thoughts or questions though I'd be happy to clarify or think of some other ideas...

Best,
Erin

Bonnie,

If they're serious hikers, they may enjoy the Otter Trail along the coast. I have not yet done it, but it's a 5-day, 43 km trail. I think there is more information about this and other trails at sanparks.org.

I know the Drakensberg Mountains have numerous trails as well.

I have a magazine from SA that I got during my last trip that had the "25 Best Hikes" in South Africa. I don't have it with me, but when I get my hands on it I'll give more suggestions.

thanks SO much for your prompt replies. after working in Gabs for 2 months, she is hoping to meet her boyfriend (who lives in NY) in Cape Town before she returns home to Boston. His time off is limited so they now may have only 6 full days plus 2 half days on the ground, so I am thinking cape town for 3 days, winelands for 2 days and then they might have only one other full day. Durban and Otter trail might be too far, sadly. Any other ideas closer to cape town or winelands for a great last day?
I am also wondering if this trip is too far to come for such an unfortunately short time. any candid thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Bonnie

They can hike in the mountains near Cape town and have an incredible time.

The Limietberg trail, a lovely 2 day option in the mountains near Paarl, or a hike in the Kogelberg, a very special place beyond Gordons Bay

Contact Cape Nature for info:
http://www.capenature.co.za/activity...m?activid=1299

Hiking up and around Table Mountain sounds marvelous to me......

SV

i will pass along these wonderful ideas. thanks very much.

Since their time is limited, I strongly suggest limiting it to the areas around Cape Town and the Winelands. There are PLENTY of things to see, and hikes to do, including going up Table Mountain. The small towns to the east and areas around the Cape of Good Hope, are gorgeous. IMO Durban, the Garden Route, etc, is too far and trying to add on too for such a short trip. The Winelands are also worth lots more than 2 days and I imagine there are plenty of trails around Franschoek and Stellenbosch too. Be sure to research safety, however. I wouldn't be out past dark.

thanks for the wise counsel,

happy travels!

Bonnie